The intent of this chapter is to:
A. Promote the
general health, welfare, and safety of the community.
B. Encourage
the utilization of appropriate construction practices in order to
prevent or minimize flood damage in the future.
C. Minimize
danger to public health by protecting water supply and natural drainage.
D. Reduce financial
burdens imposed on the community, its governmental units, and its
residents, by preventing excessive development in areas subject to
flooding.
E. Comply with
federal and state floodplain management requirements.
This chapter supersedes any other conflicting provisions which
may be in effect in identified floodplain areas. However, any other
provisions shall remain in full force and effect to the extent that
those provisions are more restrictive. If there is any conflict between
any of the provisions of this chapter, the more restrictive shall
apply.
If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or
phrase of this chapter shall be declared invalid for any reason whatsoever,
such a decision shall not affect the remaining portions of the chapter,
which shall remain in full force and effect, and for this purpose
the provisions of this chapter are hereby declared to be severable.
The degree of flood protection sought by the provisions of this
chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based
on accepted engineering methods of study. Larger floods may occur
or flood heights may be increased by manmade or natural causes, such
as ice jams and bridge openings restricted by debris. This chapter
does not imply that areas outside any identified floodplain areas
or that land uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding
or flood damages.
This chapter shall not create liability on the part of the Township
of Bristol or any officer or employee thereof for any flood damages
that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision
lawfully made thereunder.